Weekly Mail

AN ELOPING COUNT. ESCAPES FROM HIS CAPTORS WITH HIS LAUNDRESS BRIDE. To a special correspondent who sought him out in the village of VolkeTS, Northern Bavaria, Count Erasmus zu Erbach-Erbach has for the first time given the full story of tt e persecution wfaich he says he has suffered at the hands of his millionaire parents for marrying the woman of his choice-Dora Fischer, the beautiful daughter of a. laundress. It will be re-called that the count escaped last Tuesday week from a lunatic asylum at Ahrweiler, in the Rhineland, where his father had him placed after securing an annulment of his marriage. The-count fled to Bavaria, rejoined his wife, and took refuge in the house of a hospitable forester of Yolkers, near Wurzburg, where he told the following tele. "Five separate times has my father sought to deprive me of my liberty, and five separate times have I made my escape. My first flight occurred two years ago, when Fraulein Fischer and I went to London to get married. My next escape took place last June from Heidelberg, where I had gone on leave of absence from a private sanatorium in the Taunus. From Heidelberg my wife and I fled to Switzerland to consult Professor Speyer. the celebrated alienist. At Berne my father for the first time had me arrested, but I eluded my captors at the railway station at Bale. "It was on the occasion of this flight that a friend recommended to me this remote haven of refuge, and here my wife and I spent the summer and aatumn nntil on November 4 the local gendarmes, acting on my father's behest, again arrested me and took me to the Munich specialist. Herr Kraepelin. Once more I broke away while changing trains at Wurzburg. "To improve my situation and above all to secure the annulment of my guardian- ship I then went to consult my solicitor at Frankfort. A careless remark by my wife resulted in the disclosure of our where- abouts to my father, who forthwith had me arrested a third time in the public streets I of Frankfort. "I was taken first to a sanatorium in the Taunus. and then to the lunatic asylum at Ahrweiler, whence I escaped last week. Much of my time here is spent with the Capuchin monks. They are extending to me every kindness, even the hospitality oftneir humble table. You see- I am even reduced to the necessity of eating the bread of charity for having committed the unpardon- able crime of marrying withotit my father's consent. "A special court of nobility having trans,. ferred my right to inherit my family's I estate to my uncle and his three sons. my father secared an annulment of my mar-I riage on the ground of my insanity. j While I was confined in the Tanuns 'I' Asylum my father paid my wife £10 a month. Recently her Frankfort solicitor induced her to sign a settlement contract and agree- ment not to contest the annulment of the marriage. She received an instalment of £1.000, £250 of which the solicitor retained as his fee. Another £2.000 was paid to my wife only four days after my flight from the Ahrweiler Asylum.

KIDNAPPING STORY. GERMAN TEACHER'S STRANGE STATEMENT.. The "Globe" publishes an astoundingetory from Mannheim regarding the adventures of a young German teacher who disappeared some time ago from the Black Forest. Foul play was suepooted at the time. and detec- tives were engaged on the case. They have just returned with the missing man. whom they discovered in Algeria. It appears that the young man read in a newspaper an advertisement according to which an orphaned heiress was desirous of making the acquaintance of a gentleman with a view to matrimony. To this adver- tisement he replied, and in due course he received a letter from Budapest, and sub- sequently another from Ulm, which led to an appointment. He obtained leave and went to Ulm, where at the appointed rendezvous, he met a stylishly-dressed young lady, of foreign appearance, accompanied by an elderlv mm panion addressed by her as aunt interview was considered satisfactory to all parties, and it was agreed that they should meet again m the evening. This time a gentleman accompanied the ladies They dined together, and all that the teacher can remember of what immediately followed is that they went to the railway station He lost consciousness, presumably from the effects of some drug. and found himself when he came to his senses in the French barracks at Epinal. When he wished to leave he was stopped by a sentry, and was informed that he had signed papers as a soldier. A few days later he was sent to Algeria to join the French troops, and there some time later was discovered by the detec- tives, who, after great difficulty, helped him to make his escape.

TRADESMEN LITIGANTS AT HAVERFORDWEST. At Haverfordwest County-court on Tuesday a jury heard the action brought by Bowen Thomas, baker, Ooonweil-oarner, Haverford- west, against Edgar Reee, grocer, Haverford- west, in respect of alleged illegal seizure of goods. A sum of £50 damages was claimed, and there was a counter-claim for £18 for goods. Plaintiff said that while at Morriston the defendant's traveller entered the pre- mises and seized the goods. The defence was that the traveller had plaintiff's authority. The jury twice retired, but failed to agree, being equally divided. Mr. Jones Lloyd was for plaintiff and Mr. Jones for defendant.

BIG CARMARTHEN FIRE. 4 NEARLY £1,000 DAMAGE TO A SHOP. A disastrous fire broke ouit at 74, St. Catherine-street, Oarmarthen, on Tuesday afternoon in premises occupied by Israel Rachbach, a Roumanian Jew, who carried on an extensive business as paper merchant, picture frame maker, < £ c., trading in the name of Rees Brothers. The fire originated in the upper storey, which Was jointly used as a workshop and warehouse, and was dis- covered shortly before 2.30. In a few minutes people rushed from all directions, and were startled to find the whole roof ablaze. FIXING UP A FIRE-ENGINE. Firemen David Jones and John Thomas, accompanied by Police-sergeants Phillips and Davies and several members cf the borough Police force, were quickly on the scene. With the roof roaring like a furnace, the firemen's taM seemed hopeless, and grave fears for the adjoining property became felt as it became known that*, the upper storey was packed with quantities of highly inflammable goods, cuch as varnishes, paints, paperhangingis, &p. With indomitable courage, however, Firemen Jones and Thomas set to work. heedless of the possibility of the roof upon which they were standing falling in at any moment. After a quarter of an hour's steady work, the flames appeared subdued, but on the arrival of the fire-engine their operations bad to be suspended while steam was being got up in the engine, and this aggravating delay gave the fire a fresh sitart, for within a few minutes the flames shot high up into the air again, and the building now seemed a. hopeless wreck. To further aggravate the position, it was discovered that the hose- pipes were unable to stand the pressure from the engine, and streams of water shot out from the pipes over the crowd. A MISHAP TO THE HOSE. Just as things appeared to be getting ready one of the hose-pipes became disconnected at the socket near the hydrant, and water spouted up with volcanic-like eruption. Police-constable Waters and the water in- spector, who endeavoured to shut off the water, were drenched to the skin; and whilst the spectators were loud in their condemna- tion of the faulty hoee-pipes, they could not help feeling amused at some of the incidents which happened. Meantime, the roof was blazing awav rapidly, and when at last the engine was got into working order the upper storey had become so gutted that it was evident that the efforts of the firemen must be confined to saving the adjoining cottage property. In this direction it was fortunate that the shop premises were five or six feet higher than the other property, else it is difficult to gauge what the consequences might have been. With a little wind blowing, tnere is no doubt that the whole street would have been burnt down. as the shop premises were hedged in on both sides with workmen's cot- tages. Shortly after three o'clock Superintendent Smith arrived upon the scene, and he soon got his men to work systematically, and the result of his direction of operations was pleasing to behold after the bungling of the previous half-hour. He, however, failed to remedy the leaking fire hoses, which are a reproach to the town. The upper storey was packed with tons of wallpapers, &c., and the flames having been subdued, Superintendent Smith directed that the only way of making the place immune from further outbreak was to throw all the smoking wallpape^ into the street. By this time the roof had been completely burnt away, and when volunteers were asked for half-a-dozen or so offered to go up to the top of the building to throw the burning papers into the street. An idea of the well-stocked nature of the warehouse was seen by the tons of soiled wallpapers which were thrown down. By dusk all trace of fire had disappeared. While the fire was in progress a pitiful si^it was witnessed. Bach-bach, tbe pro- prietor, was out in the country vending some goods when the news of the fire reached him. About 3.30 he came galloping along into St. Catherine-street, and within view of has burning premises. He jumped out of his cart, and ran in a frenzied state into the shop, knocking up against the door. In spite of requests to keep away from tihe falling boriddinig, he forced his way into the shop, and was next seen being carried out in an uncoTitjoknas state. The-newa had been too mmch for him, and on the aidrnoe of Dr. Parry, who was sent for, he was removed to the Farmers' Arms, in Washer-street, and put to bed immediately. It is difficult to estimate the tees sustained, but it is sure to amount to £500 or £600. It is understood Rach'bacih had been unable to effect am. insurance upon the stock on account of its inflammable character. The origin of the fire is unknown. Mrs. Rach- baoh estimated the damage at between £800 and £1,000. Asked if the stock was insured, she said she induced her husband to do so when they got married a few years ago, but the insurance money would not nearly cover the loee. Great sympathy is felt for the people in the locality, where they were greatly respected.

"ENTICING HIM OFF." JEALOUS WHITCHURCH WIFE'S ALLEGATIONS. Before the Llandaff magistrates on Monday Mary Oldfleld, a married woman, of Tyn-y- Pwll-road, Whitchurch, was summoned for wounding Louisa Williams, a Cardiff cook, on Sunday night. Complainant stated that Oldfleld met her at Whitchurch last night, and struck her a violent blow in the face,from behind with something hard. Witness went to Dr. Wayne Morgan's surgery, where she was attended by his assistant. On Monday morning her head was very giddy and she felt ill. Mrs. Oldfleld asked the complainant what she was doing in Tyn-y-pwll-road on Sunday nigfht, and Mise Williams replied that she was going to defendant's house for a picture that belonged to her. Defendant: Why did you loiter in Tyn-y- pwll-road? Why didn't you come straight to the house? Miss Williams: Because you have sent me letters threatening to murder me. Why did you send a letter to my husband to meet you a fortnight ago? The Clerk (to complainant): Did you write to her husband? Miss Williams: Yes, sir, I did, just because I wanted to explain what his wife had written to me, and that I was walking about in fear of her, and that I wanted to get this picture from her. Defendant: Gentlemen, this woman has ruined my home. I Defendant admitted thrashing Miss Wil- liams with her umbrella. She did this because she had caused a lot of unpleasant- ness between her and her husband. She had kept the complainant for nine months, and witness subsequently learnt that she had been walking about with her husband and "enticing him off," as the bench, oould see by the letter she wrote him a fortnight ago The Magistrates said they could not go into that matter. They reduced the charge to common assault, and fined the defendant 20s ¡ and oosts, or fourteen days.

AGREEMENT SET ASIDE. JUDGE .BRYN ROBERTS' STRONG OPINION. At Mountain Ash Oounty-court (before his I T^fJad3% Brya Albert Jone? la fiuiterer, for whom Mr. A T T?mm appeared, sued W. Lanman for the return of moneys paid for a cart. Jones said he bought a cart from Lanman, who was a coachbuilder in business at Aberdare and Mountain Ash. It wag contended on behalf of the defendant that the agreement was a hire-purchase one. but the Judge said it was nothing of the kind. "According to this agreement," said his Honour, a man may go on paying instal- ments for twenty years, and at the end of that period he would still have to pay the full value of the article before becoming the owner. (To the defendant:) This is an agree- ment which has been grossly mis-read by you to the plaintiff." Judgment was given for the plaintiff for JSS. The defendant's solicitor asked that leave should be given to appeal, but his Honour replied: "No. I will not. My opinion is that this agreement was fraudulently explained to the plaintiff, and he is not bound by it."

SYMPATHETIC SUICIDE. LLANGOLLEN HOTEL KEEPER I SHOOTS HIMSELF. A shocking suicide occurred at Llangollen on Tuesday afternoon, when the body of Percy J Pace, landlord of the Bridge End Hotel, was found near Llandin Bridge, with a revolver, two chambers of which were dis- charged.. Deceased had been m very despondent spirits for some weeks, asserting that he could not sleep, and that his nerves would not respond to his brain. He was well known as a canine exhibitor at the Crystal Pa-laoe, Manchester, and Birmingham, and as a judge at North Wales shows. Prior to going to reside at Llangollen he had filled an important position at a Bir- mingham bank. from which he retired in consequence of nervous breakdown, the possible recurrence of which was a constant spectre before his mind. He was very muoh upset by the suicide of a banker friend at West Bromwioh. a fortnight ago, and the recent drowning fatality at Llangollen also a widow and a son.

I n—-■ FUNERAL OF THE VICTIMS OF THE DINAS MAIN COLLIERY EXPLOSION. SNAPSHOTS TAKEN BY A "WEEKLY MAIL" PHOTOGRAPHER. i ON THE WAY TO THE OEittETERY. < _< I I _—— -————————————————————————————————————

FURTHER INQUIRIES TO BE INSTITUTED. A TREFOREST OUTFITTER'S FAILURE. At Pontypridd Bankruptcy-court on Tues- day (before the Registrar, Mr. James Spdokefcfc) Nathan Goodman, outfitter, Treforest and Pwllgwaun, whose defioency was returned at £ 619 lis. 4d., was re-examined as to the sale of £ 350 book debts to a namesake at Cardiff- Debtor stated that he had endeavoured to have the book returned, but was informed, that the purchaser had destroyed it. The examination was adjourned, as the The examination was adjourned. as official receiver (Mr. Ellis Owen) desired to I institute further incluiries as to debtor's dealings with his travellers. BILL OF SALE ON THE FURNITURE. Thomas Griffiths, carpenter, Tonypandy, who had formerly carried on business as auctioneer and valuer at Market-square, Pontypridd, had liabilities amounting to £153 6s. 5d., and a deficiency of JE123 6s. 5d. Debtor stated that when he married his late wife she had furniture upon which a bill of sals had been effected, and instalments had to be paid after the marriage to meet the bill of Bale.-The examination was closed. HAD NOT OONSIDEEED HIS PROFITS. The liabilities in the case of James M'Hune Mitchell, licensed victualler. Upper Boat, amounted to JE59, and the deficiency £46. Debtor had kept no record of his takings, Deither did he know what profits he was expected to realise upon the sale of intoxi- cants.—The examination was adjourned. PROLONGED STRIKES. The prolonged strikes at the Penrhyn quarries, North Wales, were attributed to have caused the failure of Benjamin Roberts, colliery ripper, Thomas-street, Pentre. The deficiency of jB88 Os. Id. was made up chiefly of groceries supplied.—The examination was closed.

A WOMAN'S WEAPON. NEIGHBOUR STRUCK WITH A BROOM AT SENGHENYDD. With a huge bandage encircling her hair Mrs. Elizabeth Bennett. Senghenydd, pre- ferred a charge of wounding against Mrs. Margaret Ann Jamos, who was on bail. Mr. Goodfellow prosecuted, and Mr. Harold Lloyri defended. Prosecutrix informed the court that on the Stll inst. she was kneeling down washing her J Passage steps when she was suddenly struck on the head, and remembered nothing more. On recovering she found herself in the arms of Mrs. Warwick and Mrs. Cobley on the pavement. Blood was trickling down her blouse and skirt. The prisoner lived next door, but she had never had a quarrel with her. She had heard the prisoner threaten her. A Miss Kate Mead saw Mrs. Bennett. struck 0;1 the head by prisoner with a sweeping brush. Mrs. Cobley prevented her striking another blow. The case was reduced to common assault. Mr. W. Ware then said that the Bench were doubtful whether they ought not to send the woman to prison. She would have to pay £ 2 and 103. towards Mr. Goodfellow's fee-£2 16s. 6d. altogether. In addition, she- would be bound over for six months.

A MISSING WATCH. AND A TALE OF ROBBERY WITH VIOLENCE AT CARDIFF. Before the Cardiff stipendiary on Tuesday I Richard Irving, 18, and Patrick Shannon 17 'n, privates in the Welsh Regiment, stationed at Cardiff Barraoks, were charged with steal- ing' a silver watch, value £ 2 10s., from Edward Gander. There was a further charge of accompanying the alleged robbery with violence. Gander, an elderly man, said he saw three soldiers, of whom Shannon was one, and, he thought, Irving another Shannon snatched his watch and dealt him a blow oil the back of the ear, and in the fall witness cut his head. One of the three said, "He's all right," and the trio ran away. His Worship: Were you sober?—I am sorry to say I had had a little too much, or else I wouldn't be in this trouble, I suppose. Dr. J. J. Buist, describing prosecutor's injuries, said there was a star-shaped wound at the back of the head. Detective-sergeant Dicks gave evidence of I arrest. Twenty-seven m.en were paraded— amongst them the prisoners—and prosecutor without any hesitation, identified Shannon' It was in consequence of inquiries that wit- ness subsequently also arrested Irving. In the end, Irving was discharged Shannon admitted the theft, but denied the personal violence. He was committed to the assizes, and refused bail.

"THE HEAVENS AT A GLANCE." Mr. Arthur Mee (Llaniahen, Oardiff) has just brought oat the twelfth) fesne 0f the a,bo-ve card calendar, which, is, we believe, the only publication of the kind in existence It is tastefully printed in Mack :md red. has an f PJfflted calendar for 1908, and gives all the leading celestial phenomena for that a of the whole heavens visible from these latitudes. The card iq sent, packed iu a tube, to any address for eevenpence, poet free. tor

ESTATE EQUALLY DIVIDED AN AMICABLE SETTLEMENT OF THE BBJaGOTST WILL SUIT, Mr. Justice Barg-rave Deane and a special jury agrain had before them in the Probate Court on Tuesday the case in which the tes- tamentary dispositions of Mr. Henry Edwards, late of Talbot House, Crickhowell, Brecon, were iq dispute. For some time before the case was called 011 counsel held a consultation, with the result that Mr. S. T. Evans, K.C., who appeared for the defendant, Mrs Mary Davies. announced that tha parties had come to terms. The terms were that the will of the 28th of June, 1905— that was the last will—should be pronounced for in solemn form, administration with the will annexed to be granted to Mrs. Mary Davies, the costs of all parties to be paid out of the estate as between solicitor and client, and after the payment of the costs and expenses of administration, the estate to be divided into three equal shares between the three parties—Mrs. Mary Davies, Mr. Roger Phillips, and Mr. John Edward Phillipe-these terms to be made a rule of the court. His Lordship: Do you want a verdict, or are the jury to be dischargred? Mr. Barnard said he thought they had better have a verdict. Mr. Evans sadd they had agreed that the jury should have an extra guinea each. "That, my lord," he added, "will be two guineas instead of one. We double their fee. If all of us could do that we should be glad." (Laughter.) The jury found, and judgment was entered accordingly.

"A HUMANE KILLER. SLAUGHTERING DEMONSTRATION AT CARMARTHEN. The public abattoir at Carmarthen was the scene of an interesting gathering on Tuesday, when Inspector W. M. Roberts, of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, demonstrated the use- fulness and efficacy of a "humane killer," recently invented by the chief secretary of the society, Captain G. L. Derriman. The instrument, which is intendoo to be used principally in the slaughter of cattle, is similar in appearance to the ordinary pole- axe, except that the blade is displaced by a small steel barrel with a revolver bore, and a square-shaped extension fitted at the end to enable the operator to correctly place the instrument in position. The trigger is worked by a wire running down the shaft, while the shape of the weapon—the revolver barrel being at right angles to the shaft- enables the operator to make an easy approach to the animal, and at the same time to be free from any accident caused by a sudden movement on the part of the beast. The weapon is simplicity itself. The shot used is the .450 revolver smokeless. In oases where mad boasts or horses with 1. 4- hJ'!r. _6! _L Drosen legs nave LU W uisposed or at once the weapon will prove most useful, as death is instantaneous.

RELATIVES' QUARREL AT SKEWEN. MAN JUMPS FROM A BEDROOM WINDOW. A singular incident has occurred at Skewen, near Neath. It appears that a quarrel took place between John Lake, a collier, who occupies a house in Penlan-road, and a rela- tive named David James, another collier, who lodges with him. Blows were struck, but MTS. Lake parted the men. In a fit of fear James rushed upstairs, opened the back window, and jumped out, breaking his right ¡ arm and sustaining a wound on the right side of the head. James's injuries were attended to by Dr. Jones and his assistant. He says that he does not remember jumping out of the window. James's condition is not serious. Police-sergeant tJ°I!-es has inquired into the matter, but the police are taking no action.

ASHORE ON KENFIG SANDS COAL-LADEN SCHOONER WRECKED CREW SAFELY LAND-ED. OUT Porthcawl correspondent telegraphs that a vessel, laden with coal, is ashore on Kenfig Sands. All the crew were saved. The vessel is the Lily, of Eavereh'aam, from Llanelly to Litttehamptcun. She carried five hands. The vessel left Llanelly on Thursday for Littlehampton, and made very bad weather. The captain failed to pick up the Mumbles, being driven by a terrific gale. The rain, fog, and wind are reported to have been "simply awful." The vessel struok on Saturday morning. The Porthcawl rocket brigade made for the spot as soon as the wreck was known, bat too la.te to render the crew assistance. The crew eared themselves by getting ashore in their own boat. They saved most of their effects. Mr. W. D. Lodge, local agent of the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society, hae taken charge of the men, and will send them to their homes. The names of the crew, who all ha.il from Fa/Vorsham, are:—Captain C. Austin, G. Coster, mate, and Charles Shepherd, William Forn, and W. Bridgier, A.B.'H. The veasel will beoDDle.a t<otai wreak. A later message says that the starboard side of the vessel has broken up. She has gone over on bar side, the coal washing out, and one mast has gone. The scene of the wreck was visited by many people on Sunday. THE CAPTAIN'S STORY. In an interview with the captain on Sun- day our reporter was told that the storm wae the worst he was ever out in. The wind was westerly, but it often new round to the N.W., and the sea was tremendously high. We lost all our sails," he added, and we had only the jib to govern the vessel by, and we had no alternative but to run for it. We were much afraid of striking on the Skerweather, but we did not know what kind of a shore we were making. I was thankful that we came where we did." In reply to further inquiries, the skipper said they saved all their belongings, and could have walked ashore, possibly, at low water. The ship was not insured. Tihe cap- tain had been going to sea for thirty years, but was not very well acquainted with the Bristol Channel.

WRECKAGE IN CHANNEL. i SCHOONER BROKEN UP: CREW MISSING. The wreckage of the schooner Miss Hunt. trading between Ireland and South Wales ooal ports, owned and sailed by Captain Owen, of Youghal, Ireland, and carrying a cargo of pitprops. has been washed up close to Hartland Point, and the vessel is un- doubtedly a total loss. There is no news of the captain or crew of three or four hands, who have probably perished. A letter addressed to the captain has been wasned ashore. A BODY WASHED ASHORE. 1 At nooa on Monday fishermen from Clovelly and Bucks Mills recovered the body of a man, abtut 5ft. 8in. in height and 34 years of age,: with the letters B. D." tattooed on his arm. tattooed on his arm. Despite the keen search of the coastguards, no bodies other than the one mentioned have been noticed, and what has become of the crew is a, mystery. According to Lloyd's Register the Miss Hunt was a small schooner, built at Carnar- von in 1561, and belonging to B^llina<nrra' County Cork. CARDIFF STEAMER OVERDUE. The Cardiff steamer Raglan, on time char- ter with Messrs. T. P. Thomas and Co., coal exporters, Bute Docks, is six days overdue. The steamer left Swansea on December 7 for Arcaohon loaded with coal. THE WRECKED TILLY'S CREW. The crew of the schooner Tilly, which stranded off Sker Point, have been gent to their homes by Mr. W. D. Lodge, Porthcawl, the agent to the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society.

WRECK OF A KETCH. ROUGH EXPERIENCES OF HER CREW IN A SMALL BOAT. The crew of the Goole ketch Galatea were landed at Dover on Monday afternoon, after having passed through a terrible experience. The Galatea, which was bound from Hull to Gravesend with a cargo of coal, met with very bad weather, and on Friday night the wind was so terrific that the vessel was stripped of all her sails. On Saturday the gale had increased to hurricane force, and it was then discovered that the vessel was settling down. The smack Ella, of Lowestoft, was sighted, and tried to take the Galatea in tow. The rope, however, broke, and they were again left to the mercy of the.eeas. Soon after four o'clock on Saturday after- noon the crew were compelled to take to the small boat, as the ketch was -likely to Bink at any moment. They took turns in rowing and bailing, and as the hours dragged on they suffered terribly from exposure and hunger. Between four and fiye o'clock on Sunday afternoon they fell in with the Danish sailing ship Palleran, near the Outer Gubbard lightship, and were taken on board in a very exhausted condition. The ship- wrecked crew, whose names are Captain J. Wright. G. Amblan, and T. Edwardes, were landed at Dover by the Palleran, rowing aehore in their little boat, and are now at the Dover Sailors' Home.

ON A DESERT ISLAND. SUFFERINGS OF A NORWEGIAN CREW. A thrilling story of ehipwreck was told by the survivors of the ill-fated Norwegian barque Alexandra, who arrived at Southamp-1 ton on Monday in the Royal Mail steamer Orinoco-, from the West Indies. Becoming becalmed whilst on a voyage from New South Wales to Panama, the ajidra made little progress for six mcss&vt Ultimately, she got within 550 miles o4 Panama, with Albemarle Island in sight, 1-=- failed to make it owing to a strong oic-r<n and light wind. Provisions and water became exhautdcS, and. suffering terribly from hunger thirst, the crew left the ship on May i ;4 two boats, eventually landing on Indefati;. ab;2 Island. Here they quenched thirsts by means of the juice of cactus lives, and ravenously devoured some turtles w*>js. they captured. The food supply, however, was very ptlroo carious, and as the result of their privatioD3, several members of the crew were scarcely able to continue their wanderings, and one of their number lost his life. Months parsed before an ample supply of fresh water was discovered inland. Another member of the crew. having become too exhausted to continue the search, had to be left behind. The more able-bodied found signs of an old camp, en which they hoisted a distress signal. The crew were finally rescued on October 29, after many months of suffering. ANOTHER SCHOONER LOST. A Swanage message states that a large schooner, namo unknown, was seen by a coastguard to founder sewn miles from Peveril Point, Swanage, at 10-30 on Saturday morning. Five minutes later the lifeboat William Earl was launched, and went away with a fair 'wind. There was a heavy sea running when the vessel foundered, and there is little hope for the crew. A large steamer is going up Channel, and will probably pass within a abort distance of the scene of the wreck, and may possibly pick up any survivors. The Swanage lifeboat, which went as far as Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, saw no trace of the orew of the schooner which foundered off BARGE COLLIDES WITH PIER. A barge, becoming unmanageable, collided with the pier-head at Southend on Saturday morning, carrying away a considerable por- tion of the piling and lower decking. The orew were rescued, but the barge is breaking up. CHANNEL STEAMERS EXPERIENCE TERRIBLE WEATHER. A message from Water ford states that the cross-Channel steamers have had terrible weather, but no casu&itiee are reported. Oross^Ohannel steamers arrived at South- ampton several hours late. Tn a blinding hailstorm and heavy gale the Ramsga.te lifeboat on Friday nigtht per- formed good service by saving the barge Thames, bound from. Margate, with a light cargo. The vessel got into distress in Peg- well Bay. and burnt flares for assistance, and the lifeboatmcn. succeeded in bringing her undamaged to the harbour. At Dudley on Saturday a new building in course of erection was blown over. For- tunately, the workmen were at the time shel- tering fTOm the storm in another buildin6'. A furious gale was raging on Saturday at Herne Bay. Several trees were blown do WE and windows blown in. The barometer was. still falling, and the wind was increasing. HUNG ON BY THE TEETH. The survivors of the wrecked Hull trawler Shakispeare arrived at Hull on Saturday, una thrilling stories were told of their deliver- ance. The second engineer, who had been standing by the buzzer, fastened his hand- kerchief to the shaokles of the funnel and hung on with his teeth until he was released. The sea struck the boat, and two men wers drowned. while two others were washed back. The Penzance steamer Groz towed into Dover on Saturday night the Russian schooner Paulus, with serious damage to her bows, the vessels having been in collision. GALLANT LIFEBOAT RESCUE OFF BR OADST A IRS. The BroadstaiTS lifeboat Francis Forbes Barton, which put off on Saturday in answer to^signals of distress from the schooner Windermere, returned on Sunday morning with the survivors of that ship, after having been at sea. for 25 hours. The Windermere, a. three-masted vessel, had previously been reported in collision. The rescue of the crew was attended by the greatest difficulty, and it took over six hours to get a. hawser on board from the tug, during which opersu- tion one seaman was swept from stern to stem of the vessel by a huge wave and seriously injured. When the crew were tasken off the vessel was full of water and in great da.nger of sinking. PADSTOW SCHOONER LOST. Lloyd's agent at Flushing telegraphed on Sninday that a schooner, supposed to be the Doris, of Padstow, is reported ashore at Rassen. The West KapeUe lifeboat and a tug went to heir assistamce, but had to put back on account of bad weather. The tugs oould not approach the vessel, and the fa.te of bier crew was unknown. The tugs ijaport thai eeas had been sweeping (completely over her. The weather -was then ohanging for the better. A later Lloyd's dispatch stated that all hands except the cook were saved. CARDIFF STEAMER NOT UNDEBJ, CONTROL. A Lloyd's telegram from Gibraltar says: Steamer Romanic reports that she, passed the British steamer Thornley, Cardiff 14 Malta, off Ca.pe Trafalgar on December 1. flying signals, "Not under control." CARDIFF TUG FOUNDERS. COLLIDED WITH STEAMER IN DOCK. The steamer Captain M'Clure and the tua Moss Rose, owned by Mr. William Guy. wer( in collision in the West Basin at Cardiff on Saturday morning. The tug was badlj damaged. She had. just managed to get oun. side the Roath Dock gates when she fouUl dered. All on board were saved. The steamel was not badly damaged. WRECK IN CARDIGAN BAY. IS IT THE MISSING GATESGARTH? When the Liverpool steamer Demetiad arrived at Bristol from Liverpool CaP tain Jones reported that on the pre* vious Sunday afternoon, when a.bout thir- teen miles north-west of the Cardigan Bay Lightship, the Demetian passed a plain spar like the end of a topmast, showing 6ft. above water, apparently attached to some sunken wreckage. The spar was fixed, moving only from side to side with the action of the waves. The passing of this wreckage by the Deme- tian will probably prove to be a very impor- tant clue as to the fate of the missing Liver- pool steamer Gatesgarth, which on her voyage from Liverpool to Penarth would have to cross Cardigan Bay. On the report of Captain Jones investiga- tion will be made in the vicinity of Cardigan Bay Lightship, and it is thought that the euiiiken wreckage to which the mast was fastened will prove to be none other than the Gatesgarth.

PECULIAR COMPENSATION CASE ATNARBERTH His Honour Judge Bishop at Narberth County-court gave his reserved judgment in a compensation case heard at the October and November courts. Mr. A. B. Williams (Haverfordwest) represented the applicant, ani Mr. G. Lort Stokes (Tenby) defended. Tho, facts, as alleged, were as follows:—The applicant, Oliver Davies of Saundersfoot, was a servant in the employ of the respon- dent, David Hinds, of Cornish Down, Tenby, farmer, at £8 per annum wages. According to the applicant's statement, on May 25 he was called into the barn, where respondent's son was working a corn-crusher by means of a petro] engine. He was asked to hold a match for Hinds to tighten a screw, and in so doing his coat got caught in the spindle. and he was whirled round and injured. Hinds, on the contrary, stated that he never called Davies in. but that the latter came in smoking a cigarette and aSKed if the "boss" was out, and that he leaned up against the machinery and got injured in consequence. His Honour in giving judgment said he believed Davies's story to be true. as it was improbable that a lad would have walked up to a machine in that fashion, and forother reasons. He awarded the applicant 5s. a week, with costs.

JUDICIAL HARDSHIPS. JUDGE BISHOP ON A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE. At Haverfordwest County-court on Tuesdky (before Judge Bishop) John Broadbent and Son, woollen merchants, HuddersSeld, sought to enforce a judgment against Reginald Thomas for £ 8 9s. 9d., as partner in the firm of Thomas and Sons, tailors, Haverfordwcst. 1 —Mr. Jones Lloyd, for the plaintiffs, produced i a letter from the defendant saying that if J the case was adjourned he would pay a sub- stantial amount, and he asked for an order. His Honour said he would make no order. People in the position of plaintiffs entered thes i cases in the county-court where, owing to the great distance, the defendants were unable to attend, and the plaintiffs, having a walk-over, obtained judgment, and then came to that court to enforce payment. He 4 considered that a great hardship, and as a matter of principle he declined to make committals under such circumstances. He would adjourn the case, but no more.

SEAL CAUGHT AT FLAT HOLM Mr. Harris, of the Flat Holm, while out 1 fishing near the island on Tuesday caught in his net a full-sized seal. It did not offer IDllc;1 resistance. The seal was brought on '«< to Cardiff, and was placed in Messrs. Neale and West's ice-house. J

AN INTERESTING PEMBROKE I CHURCH. DEDICATION OF CHIMING CLOCK AT MONKTON PRIORY. A chiming olock built imto the tower of Monkton Priory Qhurcih was dedicated at a. special service by the Lord Bishop of St. David's. The church was filled by a lairge congregation. At the conclusion of the service the Lord Bishop, in the. course of a short address, said the new clock was the latest addition to the beautiful old ciMtrOti, which had been aolomg MONKTON PRIORY CHURCH. Before Restoration. J After Restoration. and lovingly ca-red for by the present vicar, and he hoped that as time went on the revival and the congregation's love for the old church would continue. It seemed to him that the building was a striking parable of the history of the Church. The building had never been better oared for than it was now, and there had been many long years when it ha.d been cared for lees. That was also the summary of the history of the Church as a society. He hoped when they looked at The Chancel of Monbton Priory Church. J the clock it would remind them of th;, J parable.. The clock has two dials, measuring 6ft. across. It chimed the half-hour during the service. The dedication service was followed by a confirmation, at whioh 43 candidates, chiefly adults, were confirmed. Monkton Priory Ohuirch is mentioned in the "Archaeologia Oambrensis" as being one of the three most interesting churches in South Pembrokeshire. When the present vioar came, in 1877, he made up his mind to j' make the renovation his life's work, and it has been carried on continuously for 28 years. The ohuroh and the chapel ha/ve been carefully restored and embellished in such a way that it ciadl-ed forth the admiration of the King and Queen, who visited the ancient building in 1902. The Arcfebisihop of Canterbury also paid a visit in April of this year. We are informed that an order has already been given for the canopies to be placed on the south side of the ohoir.

A DEESIDE MANSION. PUCHASED BY MR. HERBERT ROBERTS, M.P. The "Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury" understands that the residence and estate of Dawpool, near West Kerby, Cheshire, which belonged to the,late Mr. T. H. Ismay, head of the White Star Line, has been pur- ohaeed by Mr. J. Herbert Roberts, M.P. for West Denbighshire, the price paid being about £ 50,000. The mansion, which was built by Mr. Ismay in 1863. is beautifully situated on the Dee estuary, and the estate comprises nearly 400 acres. The house was designed by Mr. Norman Shaw, and built regardless of cost.

PINNACE FOUNDERS, I ——<—— EIGHT BLUEJACKETS LOSTi AT SHEERNESS. Shortly before ten o'clock on Saturday morning a disaster occurred near the pier at Sheerness to the steam cutter of his, Majesty's torpedo-gunboat Speedwell, which! was conveying liberty men to the shore. Thirteen men are stated to have been in the boat. Six have been rescued. A westerly ga-le was blowing, and it is stated that f he pmna/ce was making a curve for the pier, when a heavy eea struck her bow, and she sank immediately. The news is confirmed, says a later tele- gram, that eight men are missing as a result: of the Sheerness disaster. The names of the missing, according to those rescued, are as follows:—Petty Officer Stoker Gilroy. Sick Berth Attendant Holmes. Stokers Wratten, Waite, French, and Wiggins, and Able Sea- men Knott and Muggeridge. The ship's cook was to have gone ashore with the men, but at the last moment he decided to remain on board. Chief Petty; Officer Foster Neodha.m, Able Seaman II ^e. Able Seaman Needham, and Stokers j M'Lena.gtoan, Hawes, and Patrick are known to have been saved. Patrick caught hold of a lifebelt thrown from Mr. Wade's launch Doris and floated down the harbour. Two other men were also saved through lifebelts from Mr. Wade's craft. The Speedwell's Ijvwnch tried to make the dockyard, but the sea was too rough, and she went to the pier, and when throwing a rope to a steamer alongside a heavy sea lifted her bow out of the water, and she went down stern first.

BIG CROWD HELPLESS. MEN SNATCHED FROM THE GRAVE AT BIARRITZ. • The three-masted barque Padosa (Captain B. York), of Raa, near Helsingborg, Sweden, went ashore off Biarritz during the gale. She was coming from. Bilbao, and had been driven before the gaJe four days disaibled and without her rudder. Towards eight o'clock on Saturday night she crashed on to the rocks near the Grande Plaga, and began to break up. Her position became more critical every minute. Sea after sea dashed over the vessel, tearing her to pieces bit by bit before the eyes of crowds of helpless Spectators. Several brave fellows then tried to swim out to her witih life-lines, but the waves beat them back, and the rocket apparatus also failed to reach her. The wind bore to those on shore the Cries of distress uttered by the eleven men comprising the crew of the Padosa, and the g'lare of searchlights and. the beam from Palace Lighthouse lit up the 1 dreadful SCene. At a quarter past eleven an ominous crashing sound told those on shore that the vessel had parted. The after part floated few a few minutes, and then all floated for a few minutes, and then all seemed to disappear. All hope for the crew had been given up, when, towards midnight, some men were seen struggiin-g towards the beach a.mid the wreckage being washed ashore. There was a rush of willing rescuers, and eight men were snatched from. the grave. Proprietors of neighbouring hotels and villas competed with offers of hospitality, and the men were removed to the Palace Hotel and an adjoin- ing villa, wtere, thanks to energetic and devoted attention, seven of them, including the ca>ptain, were brought to life, leaving the death-roll at four.—Reuter.